Del Bosque frustrated at persistent Spain struggles

Xavi and Alvaro Negredo goals earned a nervy win over Belarus to take la Roja closer to Brazil, but their coach is concerned with recent performances

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted his team struggled to a 2-1 win over Belarus on Friday and is concerned that lacklustre performances against inferior opposition is becoming something of a pattern.

It took la Roja over an hour to break the deadlock in Mallorca through Xavi and Alvaro Negredo, but a late goal from Sergey Kornilenko ensured a nervy finish for the world champions.

While Del Bosque was happy to see his side take another significant step towards World Cup qualification at the Iberostar stadium, he conceded they have failed to play their best football during much of their recent matches.

"It is true that the match seemed a repeat of recent others we have had," Del Bosque said after the game.

"The games with Finland [in September], Georgia [last year] and Belarus have been kind of a copy.

"We can't deny we struggled and we couldn't score until the 15th minute in the second half but we can be satisfied. We carried on with our spirit after taking the lead.

"The goal they scored complicated the match and it sowed concern in us because we weren't comfortable.

"But the most important thing is we have taken a step forward in our aim of trying to qualify for the World Cup."

Del Bosque also explained that he selected Victor Valdes in goal ahead of regular captain Iker Casillas due to the Real Madrid captain's lack of playing time this season domestically.

"I have already said we are going to try to act following logic and common sense," Del Bosque said of his goalkeeper selection.

"Casillas got injured against Galatasaray and he has played just one game in these last five weeks, so we believed it was convenient that Victor took the place.

"This is not significant, we don't say that in the future he is going to play or not but we keep the incentive for the others."

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Ronaldo: Messi and CR7 for Brasil

The legendary striker admitted La Liga's leading pair would be welcomed with open arms into the Selecao, and backed Diego Costa's decision to represent the Spain national team

Ronaldo: I'd love to see a Messi or Ronaldo-type player for Brazil

Former Brazil forward Ronaldo has revealed he would have no problem accepting foreign-born players into the national team, provided they were the calibre of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, the 37-year-old explained that the Barcelona ace or Real Madrid star would be his first choice to represent the 2014 World Cup hosts, even ahead of former Argentina forward Diego Maradona.

"I would love it if there was a Messi or a Cristiano Ronaldo rejected by their country that could play in the Brazilian team," he said. “I would prefer Messi to Diego [Maradona], even though Diego is also my friend.”

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa’s desire to represent Spain at international level, despite being born in Brazil and playing two friendlies for the Selecao, has reignited the debate over international eligibility, but Ronaldo insisted that such developments are nothing new.

"Players who are not used in their own country and have a second citizenship are used by other countries," noted the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker.

Ronaldo’s comments also come in the wake of reports that the England Football Association was considering using Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj at senior level, if and when the winger becomes available.

The 18-year-old was born in Belgium, and under Fifa rules is also eligible to represent Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Turkey.

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Neymar-Messi will be lethal'

The full-back says the pair will flourish together on the pitch as their friendship blossoms off it, and also has plenty of praise for Gerardo Martino's impact at Camp Nou

Barcelona defender Adriano believes Neymar's partnership with Lionel Messi will only improve as the duo become better acquainted off the field.

There has been plenty of debate over how effectively the pair can operate in tandem but, despite both stars experiencing mixed fortunes in the goalscoring stakes thus far this season, Adriano is convinced the duo will soon combine to devastating effect.

"Neymar and Messi are very well connected," he told Goal. "From day-to-day on the field, they are becoming better friends and know each other better.

"Everyone is delighted with them and it shows when they are both on the pitch together.

"Neymar helps Leo, with his philosophy on the game, the way he likes to play and I think he has done very well for the team."

When asked whether or not his fellow Brazilian could usurp his Argentine counterpart as the world's greatest player, the 28-year-old added: "It is complicated. Both can be the best in their own positions.

"Leo is the best in his position and will probably remain the best, while Neymar will surely be one of the best in his role.

"The great thing is that we have the two of them together in the same team."

The former Sevilla full-back went on to praise coach Gerardo Martino for the impact he has made at Camp Nou since succeeding Tito Vilanova at the helm during the summer.

"I like that he makes us believe that we can replicate the same style as before; pressing, stealing possession and regaining the spark we had before," he continued.

"The freshness is back and we want to make history. We want to win La Liga and the Champions League again.

"Tata coaches the team in a different way. He has a clear philosophy, but he told us that he did not come here to change anything, but he has brought with him the experience of coaching Argentine clubs and Paraguay.

"We are delighted with him and how he works and hopefully we can get the results he wants us to get and continue the story of Barcelona."

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